When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. – Acts 4:13 While on vacation I was reading The Chosen book two. The scene was about the woman at the well, who the writer named Photina, and the comment about her was that “she as usual radiates with glee in the presence of Jesus.” I would like the same thing said about me. This woman fully understood what the grace of God encompassed. She was redeemed. Set free from sin. Had a new life in Christ and was telling everyone…

I hear the tumult of the raging seas    as your waves and surging tides sweep over me. But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me,    and through each night I sing his songs,    praying to God who gives me life.- Psalm 42:7-8 After two consecutive days of being drenched in waves during my quiet time on the beach, I decided to ask God where He would like me to sit during our morning time together instead of relying on my own judgement. The answer was on the highest plateau of sand near the resort. What a difference it made to know I was right where God wanted me to be, a high place…

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. – James 1:17 After my wipe out on the beach, I felt that I was to gather my belongings and take a walk with God. I shook the sand out of my bible then squeezed as much water as I could from my beach towel. With my backpack hanging on my shoulders I started to walk. I pictured a smile on His face as He looked at my disheveled appearance and thanked Him for taking the time to teach me. As we walked many more waves crashed against the…

Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. – Psalm 32:6-7 I was sitting on what I thought was a high place at the beach when I read today’s passage. The waves were steadily crashing against the shore and I haughtily took the words, “the mighty waters will not reach me,” to heart. Just as I began to write the passage in my journal I was completely drenched in a rouge wave. My bible, reading glasses, highlighter…

There are four small creatures,    wisest of the wise they are   ants—frail as they are,            get plenty of food in for the winter;        marmots—vulnerable as they are,            manage to arrange for rock-solid homes;        locusts—leaderless insects,            yet they strip the field like an army regiment;        lizards—easy enough to catch,            but they sneak past vigilant palace guards. – Proverbs 30:24-28 MSG Life often seems to be a constant rush. We are always hurrying to this or that, while wanting faster responses and services. How often do we just take a moment to watch and listen to God’s creation? I was recently blessed to take a few days off and sit on a quiet beach. As I listened to the waves…

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. – Romans 12:12 I recently read an article by Lee Strobel in Decision Magazine and wanted to share his question with you. It was, “What would happen if, tonight, you were to go back to your room, and Jesus appeared to you and said,’I am going to grant you everything you asked for in your prayers last week.'” “If He said that tonight, would there be anyone new in the Kingdom of God tomorrow?” “Are we praying? Are we praying consistantly, expectantly, fervently? Is there someone in your life you used to pray for? You used to lift them up to the throne of Christ, but then…

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. – Psalm 20:7 A dear friend of mine was telling me about a bible study she was participating in with her friend called Faith in the Night Seasons, by Nancy Missler. Many times she has shared at prayer group about the faith and relationship that has developed between her friend and God over the last several months. Her friend is battling a form of cancer that is eating her bones. Her life has become a beautiful testimony of a woman who trusts God regardless. At some point in our lives we will all experience…

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. – Psalm 19:14 I have often been caught in the vicious cycle of the what if’s. Wondering and worrying about what might happen, what someone might say or how they might respond. If those type of thoughts are not taken captive they will lead me away from the peace and truth of God. In my study bible notes, regarding today’s passage, was a question. Would you change the way you live if you knew that every word and thought would be examined by God? This Psalm was written by…